Attachment Style of Foster Carers and Caregiving Role Performance

Abstract

This study assessed the adult attachment styles of 111 male and female foster carers of children who have been abused and neglected in the Mackay/Whitsunday region of Queensland, Australia. It was hypothesised that those foster carers with secure attachment or with “earned” secure attachment status are better able to cope with the challenges of caring for children who have been abused and neglected, or have attachment difficulties. The Attachment Style Questionnaire was used to categorise foster carers in terms of relationships as secondary, confidence, need for approval, discomfort with closeness, or preoccupation. The research findings were explored in relation to attachment style of foster carers, role performance as assessed by senior foster care professionals in the region, and life experiences leading to secure or “earned” secure adult attachment. Many of the foster carers had overcome early disadvantage through their adult attachment relationships. Attachment style of foster carers as measured by the Attachment Style Questionnaire was not found to be related to the quality of care provided to children. The findings have implications for the selection of foster carers, and for the specialised support of those carers with unresolved attachment issues.